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enLille complete Amalfitano signingMorgan Amalfitano has completed a move to Ligue 1 side Lille, three months after leaving West Ham.https://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/lille-complete-amalfitano-signing
Lille have completed the signing of former West Ham midfielder Morgan Amalfitano on a free transfer.
The 30-year-old was frozen out of the first team after a bust-up with manager Slaven Bilic and his contract was terminated by mutual consent in October.
Aston Villa had been linked with the player's signature, but he has now agreed to a two-and-a-half-year deal at Stade Pierre-Mauroy.
"It makes me extremely happy to join a club like Lille, who are well-known in Ligue 1," he told the club's official website.
"For me, they are in the top five French teams. I'll be very happy if I can help them continue to climb the rankings.
"Time will tell if I have made the right choice but I don't have many doubts about that."
Amalfitano played for Sedan, Lorient and Marseille in France prior to his Premier League spell with West Bromich Albion and West Ham.news_articleThu, 07 Jan 2016 15:21:59 +0000Anonymous502714 at https://www.fourfourtwo.comMeet the Premier League's forgotten XI (yes, they're STILL there)Whats happened to him?! is a classic line between mates when skimming Premier League squads. Luckily for you were here to remind you of their existence, even if only for five minutes...Ben Clarkhttps://www.fourfourtwo.com/features/meet-premier-leagues-forgotten-xi-yes-theyre-still-there
Thanks to the sacks of money being dumped into the Premier League via TV deals and foreign billionaires, clubs are being charged premium prices for the players they want. So when it comes around to shifting them, it's perhaps unsurprising that suitors aren't willing to contibute a fiver to their £60,000 weekly wages. Here's an XI of players you might have forgotten about with good reason...
Goalkeeper: Richard Wright (Man City)
Most kids can only dream of the chance to go from lowly League One club to one of England's biggest and most modern sides. And although he may not be a kid anymore, Richard Wright was most likely beaming after hearing of Manchester City's interest following an unsuccessful trial at Colchester United. Since joining in 2012 (less than two months after leaving Preston, citing homesickness), he's never played but been offered a contract extension at the end of every term… for the last four seasons. He made it to the bench this season against Sunderland in the Capital One Cup (which must have been terrifying for him).
Homegrown? Yes
Right-back: Tony Hibbert (Everton)
When one-club players are mentioned, people are quick to shout the illustrious names of Francesco Totti, Ryan Giggs or Paolo Maldini. But rarely is Tony Hibbert honoured. Having never been out on loan, the 34-year-old has worn the blue of Everton for the last 14 seasons and was a regular until the 2012/13 campaign when Seamus Coleman came along. As such, he's been restricted to only 11 league appearances since.
Homegrown? Yes
Centre-back: Philippe Senderos (Aston Villa)
When Senderos was signed by Villa, Paul Lambert seemed in awe of the experience the Swiss carried at international level and exclaimed how few could match his appearances at three World Cups. It was while playing internationally, though, that Senderos ruined his chances at Villa after picking up a five-month injury in October 2014. The central defender didn't make any more appearances that season, and despite his homegrown status, the additions of Tiago Llori, Micah Richards and Joleon Lescott have forced him out of Villa's 25-man squad for the 2015/16 season.
Homegrown? Yes
Centre-back: Kyle Bartley (Swansea)
The ex-Arsenal stopper has never been a true first-team regular by the age of 24, having failed to muster more than one competitive appearance for the Gunners before loan moves at Sheffield United and Rangers led to his eventual departure to Swansea in August 2012. But life at the Liberty Stadium hasn't exactly gone to plan– Bartley hasn't managed more than seven league appearances in a season since and is currently playing second fiddle behind the ever-present Ashley Williams and Federico Fernandez. With Jordi Amat also providing competition, you do wonder when the centre-back might decide to call it a day in South Wales.
Homegrown? Yes
Left-back: Zeki Fryers (Crystal Palace)
With injury crushing his development at Manchester United and Tottenhamthen fussing over a compensation package, Fryers went to Belgium for a season in 2012. Alas, his journey abroad didn't last long and after reporting he was homesick, he was eventually signed by Spurs. Limited to domestic cup and Europa League appearances, Fryers signed a three-year deal at Crystal Palace in 2014 – butfirst-team chances have proven even more difficult to come by. Once Neil Warnock was gone, so too was Fryers' Palace career: one year down the line and two loan moves (at Rotherham and Ipswich) later, Fryers is back buried in the Palace squad with only two Eagles appearances to his name.
Homegrown? Yes
Centre midfield: Nick Powell (Man United)
After thumping in a top-corner belter to win Crewe promotion to League One in 2012, it was no surprise to see Sir Alex and Manchester United swoop for the highly rated Powell. At £3 million the deal was seen as good value, and even though it could rise to £6m, the strapping midfielder was going to hit great heights. Well, that was the plan anyway. It looked even better when he scored his first Premier League goal on his debut against Wigan. Bar one other sub appearance, Powell spent the rest of the season with United's under-21s before being loaned to Wigan (successfully) and then Leicester (not so much, with Nigel Pearson reportedly unhappy at his attitude). Powell has dropped off the radar since, with reports suggesting he is 'disillusioned' with football and ready to run down his United contract this season.
Homegrown? Yes
Centre midfield: Gaston Ramirez (Southampton)
At the time – August 2012– Southampton's signing ofRamirez for a club record £12 million was whispered as one of the deals of the season… by then-manager Nigel Adkins. The promising Uruguayan was pivotal in Adkins' plans for the newly promoted side – but the latter'sdismissal certainly didn't help Ramirez's cause at St. Mary's. Mauricio Pochettino wasn't much of a fan, and after the Argentine's departure to Spurs, Ronald Koeman was even less of an admirer. Ramirez was loaned to Hull last season, and Southampton's attempts to force him out this summer failed. This term the 24-year-old has tasted first-team football once: 24 minutes as a League Cup sub with Saints 4-0 up at MK Dons. Not quite "one of the best young prospects in the world" now, Nige.
Homegrown? No
Centre midfield: Shaun MacDonald (Bournemouth)
Few players can boast the achievement of being loaned by the same club five times but Bournemouth's all-but-forgotten Wales international MacDonald can. A bit-part player during his six-year senior stint at Swansea, he eventually became a regular feature of Yeovil's side between 2009 and 2011. Bournemouth signed him for £125,000 in summer 2011, after which he helped the Cherries to their runners-up position in League One and consolidation in the Championship. Promotion to the Premier League, though? Not so much. MacDonald has mustered only five league appearances since the start of last season (but two Wales ones, combined for six minutes of action), wheeled out only for Capital One Cup duty so far this season.
Homegrown? Yes
Right wing: Joe Cole (Aston Villa)
Cole is very much a forgotten man nowadays, having not managed double figures for league starts since his 2011/12 loan at Lille. It didn't always seem that this once-twinkle-toed teenager would suffer such an alarming career dip, but now, at 33, the ex-England international is struggling for game time at Villa Park having been only let loose once this season– for an hour of the madcap League Cup win over Notts County. Those Chelsea days feel long ago now.
Homegrown? Yes
Left wing: Sylvain Marveaux (Newcastle)
After being chased by Liverpool but eventually signing for Newcastle, you got a sense that Marveaux had the potential to become another of the Magpies' fine French imports. But that was not to be. After being hit by injury in his first campaign, the winger got 36 appearances in his second season – albeit athird of them in Europe. He ended that campaign with a disappointing two goals from 36 appearances, and so it was hoped that a loan move to Guingamp in 2014/15 would renew some confidence. But even in Ligue 1 he didn't manage to net in 24 appearances, and upon his return to Tyneside – Guingamp couldn't afford to keep him anyway–he duly returned for pre-season training with a fresh groin injury.
Homegrown? No
Centre-forward: Libor Kozak(Aston Villa)
Kozak top scored in the 2012/13 Europa League for Lazio, so Aston Villa paid €6.5m for him and put a four-year deal on the table. Seen as the ideal replacement for Christian Benteke long-term, a leg break six months later meant he missed the remainder of the 2013/14 campaign and didn't return for 15 months. Even though Benteke has since left Villa Park, new arrivals in Rudy Gestede and Jordan Ayew have meant Kozak's Premier League career is still to take off. Which he might well be doing sooner rather than later if he doesn't build on his solitary League Cup appearance this season.
Homegrown? No
More features every day on FFT.com
featureMon, 12 Oct 2015 15:11:23 +0000Ben Clark463826 at https://www.fourfourtwo.comAmalfitano released by West HamMorgan Amalfitano has left West Ham United after being frozen out of the squad by manager Slaven Bilic.https://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/amalfitano-released-west-ham
Morgan Amalfitano has left West Ham United by mutual consent, the Premier League club have confirmed.
The 30-year-old had been frozen out of first-team duties by manager Slaven Bilic after a breach of club discipline earlier this year.
Amalfitano was ordered to stay away from West Ham training in August after he clashed with Bilic following his failure to attend a team meeting and has not featured outside of the ill-fated Europa League qualifying campaign this term.
And West Ham have subsequently agreed to cancel the former Marseille man's contract, stating on Tuesday: "West Ham United can confirm that Morgan Amalfitano has left the Club by mutual consent.
"The 30-year-old midfielder has departed the club after 13 months at the Boleyn Ground, in which he made 32 appearances and scored three goals.
"The Hammers would like to thank Morgan for his efforts during his time with the club and wish him well in his future career."
Bilic explained earlier this year that he considered Amalfitano's exclusion from the squad as essential to sustain dressing-room harmony.
"I said what I said. I have to protect the team," he said.
"These things are not new in any football club. My first job is to keep the team as a unit in the best possible way.
"If I feel someone is damaging it, I have to react.
"It was no brawl in front of the players, it was a quiet meeting when I explained the situation. I had to do it."news_articleTue, 06 Oct 2015 18:37:08 +0000Anonymous463885 at https://www.fourfourtwo.comBilic plays down rift with AmalfitanoMorgan Amalfitano will not play for West Ham this weekend, although manager Slaven Bilic has played down reports of a rift with the player.https://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/bilic-plays-down-rift-amalfitano
West Ham manager Slaven Bilic claims talk of a bust-up between himself and Morgan Amalfitano have been exaggerated, although the Frenchman has been left out of the squad for Saturday.
Reports in the British media this week suggested that the pair had fallen out and that Amalfitano had been told to stay away from the first team and train with the Under-21s at a separate facility.
Amalfitano was not in the matchday squad for the opening 2-0 Premier League win at Arsenal on Sunday, and will play no part in this weekend's home clash against Leicester City.
"My job is to protect to the team, to keep the side as a unit in the best possible way," Bilic said.
"Morgan is not part of the first team squad for this week. But the whole situation was not as bad as was written in the papers."
It has been a difficult week off the field for West Ham, after it emerged striker Diafra Sakho was arrested and bailed over an alleged domestic assault last Thursday.
"Diafra is training with us, he played against Arsenal, he played well," Bilic said. "He looks happy and he trained normally this week."
The club attracted positive headlines after the win at Arsenal, in which 16-year-old midfielder Reece Oxford was impressive in becoming the youngest player to feature for West Ham in the Premier League.
"In Russia you have to field four homegrown players, in Turkey six, so emphasis on young players and academies is high," Bilic added.
"For me, it is very important to use as many homegrown or young players as possible, without detracting from team performances.
"West Ham is always well known for producing young players, perhaps the best academy over the last 15, 20 years if you consider the calibre of some of the players that have come through here."news_articleThu, 13 Aug 2015 09:38:08 +0000Anonymous436160 at https://www.fourfourtwo.comAmalfitano signs fresh terms with West HamMorgan Amalfitano has signed fresh terms at West Ham, committing his future to the Premier Leagueclub until 2017.https://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/amalfitano-signs-fresh-terms-west-ham
The French midfielder, who moved to Upton Park in September, expressed his delight at agreeing a new deal, which will take him through to the end of West Ham's first season at the Olympic Stadium.
"I am pleased,"he told West Ham TV. "It's the culmination of a good year. We're always trying to do our best and so I'm very pleased to have signed for two more years.
"I think I've impressed the management, I know that I can always do better and I hope to do so. I'll give it my all as I have done in the first eight months.
"I've not had a chance to see the Olympic Stadium yet but apparently it's a very, very beautiful Stadium. So I'm very pleased to be a part of the project and I always want to please our fans, as much as possible."
Amalfitano, who marked his debut with a goal in September's 3-1 win over Liverpool,has featured in 22 matches this season.
He has not played since being sent off against former club West Brom last month, but is back from suspension and in the frame to play against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday.
news_articleFri, 13 Mar 2015 17:38:48 +0000Anonymous360024 at https://www.fourfourtwo.comAmalfitano joins West Ham from MarseilleWest Ham completed their ninth signing for the 2014-15 term by securing the services of French midfielder Morgan Amalfitano on Monday.https://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/amalfitano-joins-west-ham-marseille
In a frantic deadline-day move, Amalfitano joined West Ham from Ligue 1 outfit Marseille on a one-year deal for an undisclosed fee.
Amalfitano, who scored four goals during his season-long loan spell with Premier League rivals West Brom in 2013-14, was desperate to end his three-year stay in Marseille following a reported bust-up with coach Marcelo Bielsa last month.
"It's very good news and I'm very happy to come to this big club," Amalfitano told West Ham's official website.
"I've waited a long time, but I am very happy to have signed here. The club wanted me a lot and for that I waited for West Ham and now I'm here."
Amalfitano added: "I enjoyed my first year in English football and for that reason I have come back and hopefully I can improve again.
"The first year was good for my experience and I will try to help West Ham now by giving my best and continue to improve in this league. I like this country and this is the best league."
Amalfitano is Sam Allardyce's ninth recruit following the arrivals of Mauro Zarate, Cheikhou Kouyate, Aaron Cresswell, Diego Poyet, Enner Valencia, Carl Jenkinson (loan), Diafra Sakho and Alex Song (loan).
news_articleTue, 02 Sep 2014 00:41:16 +0000Anonymous243843 at https://www.fourfourtwo.comAmalfitano to be punished after Bielsa rowMorgan Amalfitanos days at Marseille appear to be numbered after he was involved in a row with coach Marcelo Bielsa on Thursday.https://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/amalfitano-be-punished-after-bielsa-row
Amalfitano was told to train away from Marseille's senior squad but the Frenchman ignored those repeated demands and reacted angrily towards Bielsa, who cut the session short as a result.
Some reports in France suggest Amalfitano, who was not selected for Marseille's 3-3 draw at Bastia in the opening round of Ligue 1 last week, spat at Bielsa.
Marseille released a statement confirming the 29-year-old would be punished by the club.
"Morgan Amalfitano joined the group to participate in the exercises, despite repeated requests from the technical staff inviting them to respect their decision," the statement read.
"Given the refusal of the player, Marcelo Bielsa decided to end the workout.
"Management of Olympique Marseille fully endorse the decision of the coach and the player will be summoned as soon as possible to inform him that the nature of the penalty that has been taken against him."
Amalfitano has been tipped to leave Marseille, with Premier League outfit West Ham a possible destination, after spending the 2013-14 season on loan at West Brom.
The former Lorient man scored four goals in 31 appearances at The Hawthorns.
news_articleFri, 15 Aug 2014 05:15:20 +0000Anonymous231589 at https://www.fourfourtwo.comDid that really happen this season? The 16 funniest moments you already forgotWith the 2013/14 season drawing to a close, Nick Harper looks back at some of the brain-bending, rib-tickling moments that you may have forgotten while laughing at Steven Gerrard...Nick Harperhttps://www.fourfourtwo.com/features/did-really-happen-season-16-funniest-moments-you-already-forgot
Mourinho - 'The Happy One'
It's been a typically tetchy season for Señor Jose on his return to the Premier League. He's picked fights at every turn, made enemies inside and outside of Stamford Bridge, belittled referees, bullied ballboys and generally behaved like the Jose Mourinho of old. All of which makes it ironic and worth recounting that he painted himself as 'The Happy One' when he first returned last summer. Happy? He doesn't seem very happy. And having seen his team bottle the title chase, he also doesn't seem much like 'The Special One' either.
Hungry Like The Wolf
When Dutch hitman Ricky van Wolfswinkel opened his Norwich account just 71 minutes into the opening day of the season, steering an expert header out of Tim Howard's reach, we all thought he might just be worth the £8.5m price tag hanging heavily on his shoulders. Twenty-six games, no further goals and one painful relegation later, we realised he actually wasn't. Willing, yes, just clearly not able.
Manchester United Top The Table
A confident, competent and at times classy 4-1 win away at Swansea on the opening weekend of the season in which Robin van Persie picked up where he'd left off suggested 'The Chosen One' David Moyes would take it all in his stride. One down, 37 to go.
What could possibly go wrong?
Di Canio's Madness
He may not actually be a goose-stepping fascist sympathiser, but the first few weeks of the season served to confirm that Paolo di Canio is about as unhinged an individual as the Premier League has ever seen. Having signed 14 new players over the summer months, he never stopped complaining of needing more to make his revolution work. Before he had chance to see it bear fruit, the Italian dictator found himself standing a coward's distance away from the Sunderland fans at the Hawthorns, imploring them to keep their chins up after another sobering defeat, their fourth in five games.
Owner Ellis Short responded with a gesture of his own; a slitting motion drawn across his throat, and Di Canio was dispatched. The first sacking of the season, and by far the most popular.
Public Enemy Suarez Serves His Sentence
By the end of the season, as the world lined up to lay accolades at his feet, it was easy to forget that Luis Suarez spent the first six games of the season sat twiddling his thumbs with a dark cloud above his head.
He wasn't the messiah back then, just a very naughty boy found guilty of biting an opponent and slapped with a 10-game ban.
Thirty-one mainly magnificent goals later, all of his sins were forgiven and largely forgotten. Well, apart from that one. And the other one.
Alan Pardew meets Manuel Pellegrini
Several weeks before the Newcastle manager made headlines landing the type of pathetic headbutt that would have a 12-year-old child laughed out of school, he found himself in a less celebrated rumpus with the Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini. Allowing himself to become psychotically overheated over an offside decision, Pardew was caught telling his opposite number to "Shut your noise you f*****g old c***".
For the record, Manuel Pellegrini is 60, Alan Pardew is 52. He's no spring chicken himself, that f*****g old c***.
Wigan. In Europe
Zulte Waregem 0-0 Wigan Athletic. Did this really happen? And if it did, why?
Spend In Haste, Repent At Leisure
Hindsight is a very convenient caveat, but when considering the most hopeless signings of last summer who sank without trace, of which there are many, it's worth revisiting the remarkable goings on at Tottenham Hotspur.
Otherwise known as How Not To Spend The Bale Billions, Andre Villas Boas was rich beyond his wildest dreams and had a point to prove to Roman Abramovich. So he brought in seven men who were expected to galvanise Tottenham's charge for a Champions League place – Nacer Chadli (£6m), Vlad Chirches (£8.5m) and Etienne Capoue (£8.6m) for small beans, Christian Eriksen (£11m) and Paulinho (£17m) in double figures, and Roberto Soldado (£26m) and Erik Lamela (£30m) for what we now know to be silly money.
The only point AVB proved to Roman Abramovich was that he was probably right to sack him at Chelsea, for of those seven men, only Eriksen could be considered money well spent. AVB of course paid the price for such spectacular failure, but you've got to wonder about the sanity of the man at the very top in all this. Daniel Levy is held up as being one of the shrewdest operators in the business, a man who strikes a hard bargain and likes to hold all the aces in any transfer dealings. He must have been off ill the day Spurs wrote all those cheques...
Chris Smalling: Suicide Bomber
The Manchester United defender made a large number of poor decisions over the course of last season, but none more brain-dead than hosting a party dressed as a suicide bomber. #LOLZ, as they probably don't say any more. Any suggestions that Sir Alex served punch dressed as Dr Harold Shipman have clearly just been made up.
Alf Garnett Refs Chelsea-Arsenal
What could have been a lively encounter between title-chasers Chelsea and not-so-much title chasers Arsenal was ruined as a contest when Andre Marriner brandished a red at Kieran Gibbs after he palmed away a goal-bound effort in the box. As we all recall now though, it wasn't Gibbs at all, but his team-mate Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain. An honest mistake? Very probably, but cue the Twitter outrage nonetheless.
Jack Wilshere Smokes A Tab
Was it more depressing that a professional footballer should be spotted chugging on a fag outside a nightclub at 3am, or that such a sighting was considered to be front-page news by one particular newspaper the following day? We can no longer be sure.
Vincent Tan. Vincent. Tan.
The suspicion that Cardiff's Malaysian might be making it all up as he goes was given legs last October when he sacked the club's experienced and respected head of recruitment and replaced him with Alisher Apsalyamov, a 23-year-old from Kazakhstan who'd done some work experience at the club over the summer. Sadly, work visa issues put the kibosh on that ingenious little plan.
Bad Kompany
A series of imperious performances from Manchester City captain Vincent Kompany helped secure the Premier League title and very almost erased the memory of that impossibly comical slow-mo OG at Fulham. Almost, but evidently not quite. Of the 1,052 goals scored last season, this is by some distance our personal favourite.
The Miracle Of Crystal Palace
Lost. Lost. Won. Lost. Lost. Lost. Lost. Lost. Lost. Lost. Sacked.
As the plaudits now rightly rain down on Tony Pulis' bald bonce for masterminding the most improbable relegation escape, it's easy to forget just how inept the rag-tag rabble he inherited from Ian Holloway had been during those first few weeks of the season. Looking back now, how Palace survived a Premier League campaign for the first time and avoided Derby County's 11-point haul is nothing short of preposterous.
Morgan Amalfitano’s Devastating Dink
Looking back on the season as a whole now it's over, it's amusing to recall the number of hopeless home defeats Manchester United suffered against teams who hadn't won at Old Trafford in aeons. Yet it's easy to forget how the sorry run started – with Morgan Amalfitano’s cool-headed run and dink over David De Gea and Saido Berahino's low strike on September 28. It gave West Brom a 2-1 victory, secured their first win at United in 35 years, and saw a large white flag of despair hoisted high above Old Trafford.
By the season's end, six more teams would have inflicted defeat on the champions at home, a record high in the Premier League era, which is why it all feels so familiar now.
Flamini-Wilshere-Gibbs-Cazorla-Wilshere-Cazorla-Giroud-Wilshere-Giroud-Wilshere-WTF!
We all remember that Arsenal scored a wonder goal against Norwich City last season, but it's only by watching it repeatedly that the ridiculous magnificence of it all begins to sink in. Truly, truly ridiculous. Hold on though, was that third pass Gibbs or Oxlade-Chamberlain? Andre?!
featureMon, 19 May 2014 08:01:00 +0000James Maw173170 at https://www.fourfourtwo.comAmalfitano keen on Premier League stayMorgan Amalfitano would be open to extending his stay in the Premier League beyond this season, according to his agent.https://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/amalfitano-keen-premier-league-stay
The midfielder moved to West Brom at the start of the season on loan from Ligue 1 outfitMarseille and, although his parent club are keen for him to return,Amalfitano would like to stay in England.
Amalfitano has scored four goals in 24 Premier League appearances this season, including two in the last three games.
Willie McKay, the 29-year-old's agent, suggested that Amalfitano may not remain at The Hawthorns, but insisted that other clubs were interested.
"Marseille are keen to have Morgan back in their team next season as they have been keeping tabs on his performances for West Brom," McKay told Sky Sports.
"West Brom would like to sign him, but they have missed the cut-off point in the loan deal to make it permanent as they were unable to commit to a deal due to the uncertainty over their Premier League status.
"I know a lot of other Premier League clubs are interested in Morgan and are monitoring developments.
"Morgan has really enjoyed this season at West Brom and he would love to stay in the Premier League."
news_articleTue, 15 Apr 2014 14:17:33 +0000Anonymous154624 at https://www.fourfourtwo.comPremier League: Norwich City 0 West Brom 1West Brom gave their survival hopes a shot in the arm and kept Norwich City firmly in danger with a 1-0 win at Carrow Road on Saturday.https://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/premier-league-norwich-city-0-west-brom-1
Morgan Amalfitano scored the crucial goal after 16 minutes as Pepe Mel and West Brom ended a turbulent week on a high with a victory that leaves both sides five points clear of the bottom three.
Mel and the clubs board had been forced to play down an incident that took place in the dressing room after last weekends 3-3 draw with Cardiff City.
However, after attentions reverted to on-field matters, Amalfitanoensured West Brom responded positively on a day when fellow strugglers Cardiff were beaten by Crystal Palace.
The Marseille loanee, who put West Brom ahead against Cardiff last week, was on target once more at Carrow Road as he showed quick feet to evade the stumbling Martin Olsson before shooting across John Ruddy into the far corner.
Norwich twice hit the woodwork during the second half but there was to be no late drama, as there was when West Brom scored and conceded in stoppage time at The Hawthorns last week, with Mels men picking up a rare away win in the top flight to keep their opponents looking over their shoulders.
Perhaps showing nerves due to the importance of the fixture, Gareth McAuley almost handed Gary Hooper a shot on goal within 30 seconds, as the former Celtic man nearly beat Ben Foster to a sloppy backpass.
From there, West Brom grew into the game and went close to an opener with strikes from Graham Dorrans and Amalfitano.
Johan Elmander then blazed an effort high and wide from inside the box, after the ball had deflected into his path, prior to Amalfitano scoring for a second week running.
Taking full advantage of Olssons slip, the Frenchman produced a smart finish to beat Ruddy and open the scoring.
Ruddy ensured Matej Vydra did not double West Broms lead following a quick break, while Norwich were frustrated in their attempts to find an equaliser - Foster making a smart stop to keep out a header from Hooper just after the half-hour mark.
West Brom were penned back under plenty of Norwich pressure after the interval but struggled to fashion any clear-cut chances until Hooper crashed an effort off the angle of post and crossbar from an acute angle inside the area.
Robert Snodgrass free-kick was then tipped onto the bar by Foster but Norwichs pressure failed to bring rewards as they were beaten at home in the top flight for the first time this year.
news_articleSat, 05 Apr 2014 16:02:32 +0000Anonymous149309 at https://www.fourfourtwo.comWest Brom to assess Amalfitano injuryWest Brom manager Steve Clarke has admitted he remains in the dark over the severity of a knee injury sustained by Morgan Amalfitano.https://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/west-brom-assess-amalfitano-injury
Clarkes men slumped to a 4-1 defeat at Anfield and were already on the wrong side of a Luis Suarez double by the time Amalfitano pulled up shortly before half-time.
The Marseille loanee was unable to make it to half-time for an assessment and made way for James Morrison in the 44th minute.
Morrison pulled a goal back from the penalty spot after Suarez completed his hat-trick but Daniel Sturridge sealed West Broms misery with a magnificent 25-yard lob.
Im not sure, said Clarke when asked about Amalfitanos condition. Ive not really had a chat with the doctor.
He was indicating that he had an injury. We tried to get him to half-time but he said it was too bad, so we made the change.
Well assess him and see what the problem is.
Amalfitano has scored twice in seven appearances for West Brom this season, his efforts coming in wins over Sunderland and Manchester United.
news_articleSun, 27 Oct 2013 13:22:55 +0000Anonymous77745 at https://www.fourfourtwo.comThe FourFourTwo Preview: Liverpool vs West BromPremier League | Anfield | Sat 26 Oct | 3pmAndrew Murrayhttps://www.fourfourtwo.com/features/fourfourtwo-preview-liverpool-vs-west-brom
Billed as
Two Jose Mourinho dugout disciples fighting it out to the death. (Note: there will be no killing. Hopefully.)
The lowdown
On the face of it, this should be a routine home win for Liverpool, but dig a little deeper and the Reds may not have it their own way. Sure, the Merseysiders have won five of their opening eight games – and three of four at Anfield – but defensive frailties persist.
Mamadou Sakho may be constructed from mature teak, but the Frenchman’s introduction to the Liverpool back-line hasn’t been the smoothest. The 23-year-old centre-back looks jittery in possession, while Martin Skrtel suffers similar problems. A return to coach Brendan Rodgers’ back three for Daniel Agger could be the answer, although the classy Dane lacks the others’ mean streak.
They also miss the injured Philippe Coutinho’s invention. That said, with Luis Suarez and Daniel Sturridge in your team, the odd defensive malaise isn’t too insurmountable a hurdle.
Though West Brom lie in mid-table obscurity, and drew 0-0 with Stoke last weekend, their recent form has been impressively understated. Taking four points from successive games against Manchester United and Arsenal, who they were unlucky not to beat, is no mean feat.
Human wrecking ball Youssouf Mulumbu anchors the midfielder with strength and no little skill, frequently topping ball recovery stats and even final-third passes, while Stephane Sessegnon has rediscovered his early Sunderland form in the Midlands.
Throw in a solid back four, for whom Northern Irish centre-back Gareth McAuley is an uber-consistent presence, and Steve Clarke’s men have the team to challenge any team in the league. A clinical goalscorer is all that’s missing– Nicolas Anelka is ageing, Victor Anichebe raw and Shane Long inconsistent. What they would give for another season of Romelu Lukaku…
Team news
Jose Enrique’s ongoing knee injury could see Aly Cissokho again deputise down the Liverpool left. Coutinho remains absent, while Iago Aspas will be out until December with a thigh strain.
For the Baggies, Scott Sinclair is close to a return to the squad after hamstring trouble, while Zoltan Gera and Ben Foster remain middle-to-long-term absentees.
Key battle: Aly Cissokho vs Morgan Amalfitano
Left-back/left wing-back, call it what you like in Rodgers’ fluid 3-5-2, remains Liverpool’s problem position. Injury doubt Enrique has never fully convinced, while Cissokho is still finding his Premier League feet.
In contrast, on-loan French winger Morgan Amaltifano has begun his Hawthorns spell in fine form – he has already scored as many league goals as he managed in two seasons at parent club Marseille, and created the most chances in the club’s last three games.
Both good going forward, Cissokho must tread carefully with West Brom’s wide-man. Amaltifano has right-back Billy Jones behind him for protection, while Cissokho is the Reds' sole dedicated left-sided presence. Defensive diligence will be key.
The managers
Rodgers and Clarke sat in opposing dugouts last season, of course, but seeing a pair of former Chelsea coaches against each other still has the feeling of two overly competitive relations attempting to out-do the other at a family reunion.
Both have produced attractive teams that pass well and provide proof that the dearth of coaches in the United Kingdom isn’t perhaps as bad as is frequently portrayed.
Facts and figures
Liverpool have kept a clean sheet in over half (13) of their 23 Premier League home games under Brendan Rodgers.
West Brom have won and kept a clean sheet in each of their last three Premier League games against Liverpool.
Liverpool have not kept a clean sheet in their last five PL games. The only other time that Liverpool have gone this long without a clean sheet under Brendan Rodgers was in his first six league games at the club (Aug-Sept 2012).
West Brom are unbeaten in five Premier League games (W2 D3); their longest unbeaten run in the competition since April 2011 (seven games).
In-form Daniel Sturridge has had a hand in more Premier League goals than any other player this season (nine – seven goals, two assists).
Sturridge has scored in all but one of his eight Premier League appearances for Liverpool in 2013/14.
Goalscoring centurion Steven Gerrard has created more goalscoring chances than any other Premier League player this season (21).
No referee has awarded more penalties since the start of last season in the Premier League than Jon Moss; with three of those coming this season.
11 of the 13 goals that Liverpool have scored this season have arrived in the first half.
Jonas Olsson has been forced in to making more clearances than any other player in the Premier League this season (86).
FourFourTwo prediction
Two easy-on-the-eye sides, but the home team have more firepower. 2-1 Liverpool.
Liverpool vs West Brom LIVE ANALYSIS with Stats Zone
featureThu, 24 Oct 2013 16:03:00 +0000Gregg Davies76420 at https://www.fourfourtwo.comAmalfitano out to prove talent at the top levelWest Brom midfielder Morgan Amalfitano is determined to prove himself capable of playing at the top level in England, as well as France.https://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/amalfitano-out-prove-talent-top-level
The 28-year-old move to the Hawthorns on a season-long loan deal from Ligue 1 outfit Marseille in September after making 87 appearances in two seasons at the Stade Velodrome.
Amalfitano has made a huge impact for Steve Clarke's side since his arrival, putting in a series of fine displays and scoring twice in four Premier League games, including a 2-1 win at Manchester United.
And the Frenchman is keen to continue his impressive form on the pitch.
"It is always a pleasure to arrive and be able to perform well straight away," he told the club's official website.
"I got a really good feeling as soon as I arrived at the stadium and I could feel the support from the fans.
"I needed to do my best to thank them by doing well on the pitch.
"I have been thinking about coming to the Premier League for a few years and now I am very happy to be here.
"Now I really want to think about my career and carry on in the best way possible.
"I have progressed in my career because I have learned from each club I have played for - and Marseille is a big club.
"But at the same time playing in England is different as well, and I have to prove myself again to everyone.
"My move here is a continuation of my career. I'm having to perform at my best as a professional."
news_articleFri, 18 Oct 2013 17:20:21 +0000Anonymous74943 at https://www.fourfourtwo.comMcAuley heaps praise upon AmalfitanoWest Brom defender Gareth McAuley has heaped praise upon new addition Morgan Amalfitano after his impressive start to life at the Hawthorns.https://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/mcauley-heaps-praise-upon-amalfitano
The 28-year-old joined the Midlands side on loan from Marseille days before the transfer window closed and has already made quite an impact, netting twice in four Premier League starts.
His fine individual form has helped inspire an upturn in the team's performances and West Brom are unbeaten in four league matches after starting the new campaign in shaky fashion.
McAuley, who has been with the club since 2011, is thrilled with how the Frenchman has settled in and feels his parent club Marseille are missing out.
"He (Amalfitano) is some player," McAuley told the club's official website. "I don't know who plays on the right of midfield for Marseille but he must be decent.
"He mixes it up and he does a great job for us without the ball as well, which some people might not see but we certainly do as players."
The 33-year-old was also full of praise for midfielder Claudio Yacob, who opened his account for the season in a morale-boosting 1-1 draw with table-toppers Arsenal last Sunday.
"He is our defensive midfield lynchpin," added the centre-half. "He doesn't get forward much but in training he scores goals and he's actually a really good header of a ball, which he showed with his finish on Sunday.
"I would never say he wasn't in form but he certainly has been breaking a lot of things up for us in the last two games and the goal against Arsenal will be in forefront of people’s thoughts."
news_articleTue, 08 Oct 2013 17:47:34 +0000Anonymous71573 at https://www.fourfourtwo.comThe FourFourTwo Preview: West Brom vs ArsenalPremier League | The Hawthorns | Sun 6 Oct | 4pmBen Welchhttps://www.fourfourtwo.com/features/fourfourtwo-preview-west-brom-vs-arsenal
Billed as
Conquerers of Old Trafford look to claim another big-four pelt.
The lowdown
Come on, hands up. How many of you said Arsenal were doomed after their opening-day defeat to Aston Villa? We don’t believe you.
OK, we’ll afford you one little white lie, but now it’s time to fess up. How many of you expected West Brom to beat Manchester United in their own backyard? Really? Even with David Moyes’ side desperately needing a win? Even, when you consider the Baggies' last win at Old Trafford was in 1978? Still keeping your hands in the air? You’re all fibbers. Not even Mystic Meg could have called this. If Arsenal maintain their form we’ll have run out of superlatives by Christmas.
The Gunners delivered another stirring display in the Champions League on Tuesday – dismantling Napoli with ease at the Emirates Stadium. The north Londoners have now won 10 games on the bounce, including a win over West Brom in the League Cup on penalties. Don’t read too much into that result –the two teams were diluted versions of their regular starting line-ups.
Arsenal’s 2-1 victory over Swansea stretched the club record of consecutive away wins in all competitions to 12, equalling their record of eight in the Premier League.
Steve Clarke’s men are not shy of confidence themselves having humbled United 2-1 and extending their unbeaten run to three.
United were lacklustre, but as Clarke reminded everyone in his post-match interview, West Brom deserve credit for beating the reigning champions on their own turf.
Rio Ferdinand could be forgiven for calling Samaritans at the final whistle, after the hiding Morgan Amalfitano gave him. Saido Berahino, allegedly the world’s poorest footballer earning just £850 per week, played with the freedom of a kid in the playground, not a fresh-faced 20-year-old stepping out at Old Trafford.
To call this a Super Sunday would be generous, but it beats watching Songs of Praise (that said, Turner Hooch is on Channel 4!).
Team news
Like Arsenal, West Brom lead England’s top flight. Unfortunately for them, they top the injury table and not the Premier League. The Baggies have nine players on the sidelines, including Scott Sinclair, James Morrison, Shane Long, Zoltan Gera, Chris Brunt, Matej Vydra, Ben Foster, George Thorne and Nicolas Anelka. But there is a chance Le Sulk will be fit to play against his old club on Sunday.
Arsenal’s Santi Cazorla could be in line for a return to first-team action after an ankle injury.
Key battle: Morgan Amalfitano vs Kieran Gibbs
Needless to say, Clarke will have to come up with a defensive masterplan if he hopes to extinguish Arsenal’s attacking threat. But as his side proved against United, it’s what you do with the ball that really counts.
Assuming Arsenal dominate possession and play most of the game in West Brom’s half, the Baggies will need to be clinical on the counter-attack. Amalfitano has the weaponry to inflict this damage and if Gibbs gets caught too far forward, he’ll have the space.The Arsenal left-back was one of the Gunners’ top ball distributors against Sunderland, finding 65 of his 70 targets. A third of these passes came in attacking third, 90% of which were accurate.
If one of his stray passes, as rare as they are, find their way to Amalfitano he better turn on the afterburners and get back because the Frenchman has an end product – just ask the United defence who watched on as he scored one and made another. And this wasn’t a flash-in-the-pan performance, either. Earlier in the season he put in 14 crosses against Sunderland and 7 against Fulham, 3 of which led to goalscoring opportunities.
On the flip side, West Brom’s wide-man will have to get back and support Liam Ridgewell when Arsenal are on the attack. Gibbs versus Amalfitano promises to be an intriguing touchline tug-of-war.
The managers
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger, celebrating his 17th year in charge, said his side’s 2-0 win over Napoli was “all that you dream to see when you come to watch football.” You can attribute their success to a number of positives out on the pitch, but it’s the man in the dugout who’s masterminded it all. His faith in Olivier Giroud and Aaron Ramsey, and astute transfer dealings, are paying dividends.
When will we all learn? Arsene knows best.
He certainly does when it comes to beating West Brom. The Gunners have won five of their last seven meetings with the West Midlanders. The Baggies last beat Arsenal in 2010 – a 3-2 victory at the Emirates.
Everyone thought Clarke would struggle to replicate last season’s success after Romelu Lukaku returned to Chelsea, but he’s plugged that gap with Victor Anichebe, Stephane Sessegnon, Anelka and Amalfitano. As Clarke showed at Old Trafford, he’s not interested in sitting back – his team have the firepower to be positive and bold and that’s exactly how they’ll approach Sunday’s challenge. Everyone is waiting for the Gunners to revert to type and crumble. This might be the game the doubters get to say: “We knew it wouldn’t last...”
Facts and figures
West Brom have won two successive matches in the Premier League –the last time they won three in a row was in November 2012.
Arsenal have won their last eight Premier League away games in a row, equalling their best run in the competition.
The Gunners have scored a league-high four goals in the opening 15 minutes of Premier League games this season.
Arsenal have scored the first goal of the game in each of their six Premier League games this season.
Arsene Wenger's side have made a league-high tally of 12 through-balls in the Premier League this season.
No side has seen their opponents booked (15) or sent off (1) more often than Arsenal in the Premier League this season.
No player has attempted more tackles in the Premier League this season than in-form Arsenal midfielder Aaron Ramsey (33).
Ramsey has scored in three successive Premier League appearances (four goals) for the first time in his career. He has scored eight goals in his last nine games for Arsenal in all comps.
Steve Clarke has the best win percentage of any West Brom manager in the Premier League (36.4%).
Five of West Brom's six goals this season have arrived in the second half of matches, with three of these coming in the final 15 minutes.
FourFourTwo prediction
With Mesut Ozil conducting the Gunners' orchestra it’s hard to see anything other than an away win. 2-0.
West Brom vs Arsenal LIVE ANALYSIS with Stats Zone
featureFri, 04 Oct 2013 05:10:00 +0000Gregg Davies68863 at https://www.fourfourtwo.com